Orange is the New Black confirmed for fourth season in 2016

The third season of our favorite drama set in a women’s prison isn’t yet here but a fourth is already queued up. This week, Netflix announced that Orange is the New Black is slated to return in 2016 (via Variety).

The Emmy-winning Netflix original series, which debuted in July 2013, follows the tales of Piper Kerman (Taylor Schilling) during her year in women’s prison. Life behind the bars takes Kerman, a middle class pretty girl, by surprise as her new roommates have a different background … to say the least. While the premise seems contrived, the plot — including an ongoing relationship with conniving, money laundering ex-girlfriend Alex Vause (Laura Prepon) and the backstories of her fellow inmates — certainly isn’t.

The news of a fourth season for OITNB, as it is abbreviated, isn’t surprising. Execs have said that the show has been one of the top performing series on the Netflix, according to Variety.

Jenji Kohan (also known for Weeds) created the series, which is based on a memoir of the same name by Piper Kerman. In addition to three Emmy Awards, the series has also received two GLAAD Media Awards, the Peabody Award, and a Television Critics’ Assn. Award.

As Netflix expands its original programming in 2015, this renewal makes it clear that it does still want to continue its already successful franchises. Other tentpole Netflix series include House of Cards (whose fourth season will premiere in 2016) and the newly-released Daredevil(in association with Marvel).

Season three of the Orange is the New Black returns on the streaming platform June 12. You can find hints of what’s to come in its official trailer. And while we won’t spoil season two for you (if you missed it), we’re sure season three will be a must-see.